Advice from the experts
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Bonitas takes the edge off contribution increases

Financially solid, younger new members, two new plans, virtual healthcare and a renewed focus on Managed Care for chronic diseases are just a few of the insights from the Bonitas 2021 product launch. But it is the annual contribution increases which are highly anticipated and the moment of truth for all medical schemes.   Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund announced an unprecedented 0% increase on its BonFit Select plan and a weighted increase of 4.6% across all plans. The highest increase is 7.1%. ‘Members on our growth options, which contribute to 91% of business, will only experience an increase on 3.9%. I think, looking at the pricing and the benefit richness we offer in comparison to the market, the changes for 2021 will be well received.’ He says, ‘The guidelines received from the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), clearly highlighted that medical schemes should limit contribution increases as far as possible. We crunched numbers and worked tirelessly to find the sweet-spot between sustainability and ensuring affordability. Not an easy task, especially in a weakened economy. We took a responsible stance, with a long-term view, to ensure that our members wouldn’t have to pay the price of a low increase for 2021 in the coming years. One of our core considerations was finding ways to ensure members could get access to full healthcare cover and avoid out-of-pocket expenses and co-payments.’  Pricing and technology Seven of our current options are priced between R1 500 and R3 000 which is where the medical scheme market is experiencing growth currently. Member behaviour has changed significantly and demand is for innovation, accessibility and technology. This has the benefit of attracting, a younger, target audience and driving sustainability. We can’t talk about 2020 without mentioning Covid-19. Key trends that emerged from a medical schemes perspective were: Changes to benefit structures and PMBs  Lower than anticipated investment income as markets slumped Changes in claiming patterns in terms of seasonality and volume, due to the lockdown measures that came into effect And a Consumer Price Index that was lower than previous years which is expected to be at around 3.9% in 2021  In an industry like ours, it’s challenging to be different – to innovate, disrupt…to be better. But not impossible. The Fund needed to make short-term decisions with the long-term view and sustainability in mind.  One of the highlights over the past few years, has been the introduction of four Efficiency Discounted Options (EDOs).  Plans whereby members use network healthcare providers and pay around 15% less for the same benefits. The EDOs cover over 74 000 lives and the principal members who join are around 10 years younger than the average Bonitas member. 2021 – changes, contribution increases and enhancements Over the past five years, we have proactively driven innovative product design, actuarial modelling and constant engagement with various stakeholders. We believe we offer the ultimate split risk solution, with a comprehensive product range and diversified membership base.  To stay at the forefront of innovation we have introduced:  Edge – a new category driven by technology, intelligence and innovation, with two plans called BonStart and BonStart Plus. These are designed for economically active singles or couples, living in the larger metros. The plans include access to: A private hospital network and full cover for emergencies; PMB chronic medicine; excellent day-to-day benefits including unlimited GP consultations; layers of virtual care, dental and optical benefits; preventative care; wellness screenings; contraceptives and more.  The cost: R1 452 and R1 731 respectively for the principal member. Managed Care One of the leading trends worldwide is the rise in non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and oncology. In fact, during this global pandemic, the impact lifestyle diseases and comorbidities had on Covid-19 patients was put in the spotlight. 20% of our members have multiple comorbidities which means, even without the pandemic, we need a stronger focus on preventing and managing lifestyle behaviours. Poor diet, smoking and lack of exercise are the three lifestyle factors that contribute to over 80% of chronic conditions.   Managed Care continues to be a focus to empower members to take charge of their health and support them along the way.   Home-based care During Covid-19, home-based care received renewed interest and focus. This dovetails with our strategy to move more care to the home and out of hospital. As an example, post-surgery or mild pneumonia, treatment can be effectively provided at home through the assistance of nurses. Not only is home-based care a cost effective delivery of care but it also promotes healing. Studies show that patients recover faster in their comfort of their own home. Day hospitals We believe the use of day hospitals and clinics should be encouraged, where possible. Some procedures such as cataract surgery, circumcisions and scopes are better suited to be performed in day hospitals or clinics versus larger hospitals.  There is minimum disruption to members, speedier recovery times, less risk of infection and day hospital are also a more cost effective alternative. Technology  One of the key learnings has been adapting to a new way of working – with virtual technology at the forefront.  The WhatsApp channel we introduced has the most room for potential. This platform is convenient for members and allows them to manage their medical aid through live chats.  Virtual Care There was a positive response to the launch of the new Bonitas Member Mobile App and free virtual care for all South Africans. This provided access to GP consultations for a range of conditions, including Covid-19, as well as free delivery for chronic medicine.  At the heart of the model is the GP. This aligns to our care coordination initiatives, ensuring members receive the right level of care and support in managing their conditions. It allows access to a virtual nurse, advice in an emergency, auxiliary and home- based care, ensuring members have comprehensive support for any condition, in any circumstance, through our virtual based model. We’re pleased to announce that this model is unique and

September 23, 2020
Lamelle Pharmaceuticals

PCOS: You’re Not Alone – A Plea for Ovarian Health Consciousness

Acne, weight problems, excess hair, irregular periods – what if it’s all connected? This new ovarian health research asks you to take a minute for yourself and reflect … Every day, millions of women of every age and culture look at themselves in the mirror and see something that no one else does. We see that little bit of weight no diet or lifestyle changes seem to be able to fix. The excess oil, unwanted hairs and pimples that just won’t go away. We look straight past the beauty that’s there and see the girl who needs medication to have a normal period. Or the woman who’s umpteenth pregnancy test has come back negative. And we ask: why me? Why can’t I be normal? Funny thing is, that’s almost all of us. We just don’t talk about it. And perhaps it’s time that changed. Turns out, you’re not alone Over the past few years, doctors and researchers have been looking into a poorly understood and underdiagnosed ovarian health condition, known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). And we’ve made a few startling discoveries along the way. PCOS impacts your ovaries and can cause infertility, and it’s usually only discovered when a woman struggles to conceive. But new research says that PCOS can show up at any age and as some of the most common “everyday” symptoms women experience today: Irregular, missed (or absent) menstrual cycles Weight loss or weight gain (the kind that you feel you can’t control) Acne, pimples and oily skin Excess hair growth And, in later life, difficulty falling pregnant Recognise these? The message is: You’re not alone. Research has shown 1 in every 10 women might have PCOS. What is PCOS really? New studies show that PCOS actually starts with your metabolism. Researchers realised that the bodies of most women with PCOS have trouble processing insulin, the hormone it uses to extract and store the energy from carbohydrates.  And if your body struggles with insulin, it builds up in your blood and triggers your ovaries to overproduce androgen (male hormone). The technical term for that is hyperandrogenism, and you can probably already guess its symptoms: acne, excess hair growth, weight problems, irregular periods and infertility. Suddenly it all makes sense.  You’re not weird or different. It’s more common than you think. And you can get help right now. If you think you might have PCOS Now, of course, not every pimple or stray hair indicates a serious underlying cause. But if you’ve really been battling with one or more of these conditions, the good news is you can get yourself tested and know for sure. Your doctor or gynae will be able to advise. And it doesn’t matter what age you are. In your teens, you might just want some answers about your weight, acne, hair growth and those times you missed your period. Or, if you want to start a family, you might already have some trouble conceiving. Even later in life, if you’ve had some of these symptoms and just want to make sure the insulin part doesn’t become something more serious (yes, PCOS has been linked to diabetes). Just know, PCOS can be managed. In fact, we at Lamelle Pharmaceuticals have developed an exciting new product specifically to complement the treatment of PCOS and promote ovarian health. Have a look: INTRODUCING: ALL-NEW OVARIA Using an inspired blend of ingredients, including a naturally-occurring sugar that’s part of the vitamin B family, Ovaria is a brand-new ovarian-health nutritional supplement whose ingredients are proven to be just as effective as traditional treatments (metformin or glucophage) for PCOS, but without any of the side effects. The naturally-occurring ingredients in Ovaria bind to cell receptors, activating the signalling pathways that regulate thyroid hormones and, most importantly, insulin in the body. This means Ovaria helps normalise blood insulin levels, which normalises androgen and improves the symptoms of PCOS. THE INGREDIENTS IN OVARIA ARE PROVEN TO Increase ovulation rate in 16 weeks Increase menstruation cycles  Reduce hirsutism (excess hair growth) by 29% in 6 months THE BENEFITS OF OVARIA Improves ovulation to enhance fertility in women Normalises the menstrual cycle – in case of period problems Improves insulin resistance – useful for managing weight problems Improves blood glucose level (fasting glucose) Reduces hirsutism – used for hair growth problems Reduces the severity of acne – used for acne problems Improves insulin resistance, reducing type 2 diabetes risk and its complications Reduces blood androgens – used for acne, excess hair and sebum NEW OVARIA FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Ovaria is a nutritional supplement that comes in powder form. Choose from two flavours – orange or peach. You simply tear open the sachet, mix the content with water and drink, once per day. Ovaria contains 4000mg of Myo-Inositol, the required daily dose clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of PCOS symptoms.  Doctors will have more information on PCOS. And Ovaria is available from reputable pharmacies – or simply order it online via Lamelle’s health store: https://lamelle.co.za/health-store. RSP: R350.00

September 18, 2020
RediscoverDairy

Dairy, centrepiece of the Kid’s food table

From infancy through the teen years, children have particular nutritional needs to support their healthy growth.  The culture of food they grow up in, and their food choices in the home and at school, also influence whether or not they will be lifelong healthy eaters.  Unfortunately, there is probably no greater aspect of our daily lives that is more inundated by misinformation and fads than our food. In the midst of constantly changing, attention-grabbing ‘trends’ and the plethora of ‘latest miracle foods’, there’s a real danger that the sensible, balanced nutritional needs of children get put on the backburner. The wake-up call for South African families is in our cold hard statistics which reveal a double burden of disease with persistent stunting and wasting, as well as rising child obesity.  Under-nutrition, which results in stunting and wasting that have lifetime impacts, remains a significant problem in South Africa’s low-income communities. The problem is, unfortunately, expected to be exacerbated by the ongoing economic impacts of Covid19.  Obesity is a major health risk, predisposing us to diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.  Dietary intake associated with under- or overweight impact on both the physical growth and cognitive development of children who are then unable to realise their full potential in life.  Through the celebration of milk’s inclusion in school nutrition programmes, the 21st World School Milk Day on 30 September 2020 is a reminder that other food and health concerns should never eclipse the need for meeting our children’s needs for daily eating regimes that promote their healthy growth. Maretha Vermaak, the registered dietitian at Rediscover Dairy says, “Over so many decades, scientific research has confirmed that dairy offers a unique food matrix of bio-available nutrients that supports healthy development in children.  Milk, maas, yogurt and cheese offer specific diversity and versatility, so that it is easy to find dairy options for children and ensure that your family meets the recommendation of 2 to 3 portions of dairy a day.” Scientifically sound nutritional information is essential for families and schools. This empowers them to make good food choices and prioritise the nutritional needs of children.  Understanding that calcium-rich dairy plays a vital role in bone development, not only for small children but during the teen years when bone density development is accelerated, helps parents to make sure that the family gets enough of the key nutrients provided by dairy.  Dairy is not only a calcium-provider for healthy bones and teeth. It is an important source of affordable, high quality protein and is packed with vitamins such as A, B2, and B12, as well as potassium and zinc. Dairy Ideas for Kids No matter their income, many South African families fall short of the recommendations for 2 to 3 servings of dairy a day.  However, given the versatility of dairy, it is really easy to include it in meals, snacks and drinks.   Add milk or maas to oats and other porridges  Add dairy to every lunchbox – cheese wedges and cheese as sandwich filling; small yoghurts; cottage cheese and yoghurt-based dips for vegetables and crackers A simple toasted cheese sandwich is a firm favourite among children Make delicious smoothies with milk and yoghurt with fresh fruits   Add milk or buttermilk and cheeses to scrambled eggs and omelettes Melted cheese topping is always a winner that goes with many savoury dishes, vegetables and bread Bake with milk, buttermilk and yoghurt.  Top cakes and muffins with cream cheese icing to add more nutrients to your treat Make easy frozen yoghurt popsicles or pots for healthy treats Replace sweetened cold drinks with milk or milkshakes made with fruits or flavoured milk “Parents need to remember that when it comes to eating behaviour, they are the most powerful role models,” says Vermaak, “One of the easiest ways to ensure your kids consume enough dairy is to make sure it is available at home and for them to see you enjoying dairy too.” Through its Consumer Education Project (CEP), Rediscover Dairy partners with National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to highlight World School Milk Day. The NSNP includes dairy once a week in their school  feeding programme to support South African children most vulnerable to stunting and wasting.  The CEP makes fun information and teacher resources available for Grades R to 7 at http://www.dairykids.co.za/ Parents who are home-schooling due to COVID-19 can download curriculum-aligned interactive posters, worksheets, fact sheets and teaching guides.  Children learn all about the healthy eating, SA’s food-based dietary guidelines, the role of dairy in healthy eating and the farm-to-table processing of dairy. For more dairy ideas join the Rediscover Dairy Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RediscoverDAIRY

September 16, 2020
Cosmetix

Transitioning your Winter makeup look to Spring

Now that Spring is upon us, our wardrobe choices are getting lighter for the warmer weather and our makeup should be too. Now is the time to pack away the darker colours & start playing around with some brighter colours. Switching up your makeup routine ensures that things are kept fresh and on point. I think that this year is going to be all about natural beauty with pops of colour here and there. I don’t know about you, but ever since COVID-19 hit, I find myself gravitating more towards wearing a lighter application of makeup and letting my natural beauty stand out. Here are some of my tips for a smooth transition from winter makeup to spring: Lots of water – warmer days mean that your skin will need more water for hydration. Do not skip the sunblock. This goes without saying. Harmful UV & UBV rays can lead to pigmentation and premature ageing of the skin. Prep & prime – Now that the days are going to be warmer, we need our makeup to last all day. Incorporating a primer into your makeup routine not only fills in any fine lines & wrinkles, but also helps with the staying power of your makeup. My favourite primer to use now is the CATRICE 10 in 1 primer. It does everything and has an SPF in it for that added benefit. Change up your foundation – Warmer, hotter days means more time in the sun and with more time in the sun your skin also starts to warm up. Changing up your foundation by a shade or 2 darker is a must or alternatively you can bronze up your face with a matt bronzer. For a lighter foundation coverage, I love mixing a little moisturizer in with my foundation. Glow up – I love adding lots of highlighter to my makeup routine in Spring. This gives my skin an amazing healthy glow. Highlight your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, cupids bow, under the brow bone and inner tear duct. For some added glow, I love to highlight my collar bones and shoulders as well. I use the CATRICE Luminance highlighter palette. Bronze me up – add some warmth to the face for a Sunkissed finish. I add bronzer on my forehead, between my cheekbones and jawline, under the jawline and down the sides of my nose. This also helps to chisel and carve out the face. Swap out the lipsticks & opt for gloss. Lip gloss has a light texture and is perfect for lighter Spring days. Adorn the spring nails colours – this is my favourite thing to change up in Spring. I love the brighter nail colours like yellow, mint, pink, baby blues and lilac. The brighter the nail colour, the better. I for one cannot wait to be laying out in the sun and spending lots of time with the kids by the pool. Decluttering your home: With changing up your makeup routine, I think there is also a need to spring clean and declutter your home and let go of things you do not necessarily need. When I do this, it makes me feel so much lighter. Getting rid of unnecessary baggage and freeing up space is so important for my mental & emotional wellbeing. Having kids, we tend to hoard so many toys, clothes, books, and school supplies. I can’t tell you the amount of time that gets spent trying to find things. By decluttering I know exactly where things are. Everything has a place and life is so much calmer. Here are my tips to a seamless decluttering & organising process: Make a list of the areas you want to declutter and organise. E.g. Pantry, closet, kids toys etc. Invest in a label machine. This way everything can be labelled, and it saves time opening cupboards and containers to see what exactly is inside. Purchase storage containers and boxes. In the long run, it’s a saving and it looks better and neater than having things kept in black bags and boxes. This can be done over time, so that it doesn’t become an expensive process.  When decluttering and organising make different piles. A pile to giveaway, a pile to throw away, a storage pile and a keep pile. For my pantry, I have slowly started the conversion to plastic containers and have everything labelled. A container for flour, sugar, pasta, cereal etc. It has made my life so much easier as I have no half-opened bags lying everywhere clipped with pegs.  I have bought baskets for sweets, chips, and biscuits so that everything is packed neatly. For the closet, I like to have it repacked for every season. With Spring/Summer approaching, I like to pack winter coats etc that take up space in big plastic containers and throw in some moth & fragrance balls to keep it fresh then pack it away in the garage and have it labelled so if ever I need to look for something I know exactly where it is. In my closet with the items that do remain, I colour coordinate and pack similar items together. For the kids, I only keep the items that the kids play with now and pack everything else away in storage baskets. I get rid of broken toys and donate what they have outgrown. Whether you tackle this as part of a downsizing effort or simply to simplify your life, decluttering and organising an entire home is a big job. The best way to tackle it is in stages, room by room or cupboard by cupboard. Goodluck!

September 11, 2020
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Elective surgeries – the disruption, the trends and back to business unusual

On 9 September, South Africa recorded 1990 new cases of the pandemic in 24 hours. The country has now slipped to the eighth worst affected nation in the world in terms of the number of Covid-19 infections. In spite of this elective surgery has been given the green light and its back to business – albeit with strict protocols in place to safeguard staff as well as patients.  Almost five months ago elective surgeries came to a standstill. This was reflected in claiming patterns in the private healthcare sector during lockdown – a disruption of the norm globally.  In South Africa, elective surgery in both the private and public healthcare space and specialists’ visits are just two of the areas which have been affected by Covid-19. The link between the two is clear: Fewer specialists’ visits mean fewer referrals for surgery.  So what exactly is elective surgery? The term can be ambiguous. It does not mean, as the name implies, that the surgery is optional but rather that it doesn’t need to be performed immediately. It can be scheduled at the patient’s and surgeon’s convenience. Some of these surgeries are necessary to prolong life, for example an angioplasty or, as in most cases, improve the quality of life. In brief, elective surgery is ‘A planned, non-emergency surgical procedure.’  Elective surgeries dropped by over half According to Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund, ‘there has been a 60% reduction in hospital authorisation requests compared to 2019. A study release in March predicted that an estimated 28.4 million elective surgeries worldwide, would be cancelled during the 12 weeks of peak disruption due to the global pandemic. This has been a similar experience to other industry role players and is predominantly due to a combination of member fears related to Covid-19, lockdown and provider caution.’  Surgeries delayed not cancelled The postponement of surgeries was done to prevent patients taking up hospital beds and to avoid unnecessarily exposure to the virus – a strategy that worked well to flatten the curve.  Surgeries were delayed based on provider discretion and subsequent patient engagement. Callakoppen says, ‘Providers are best placed to make these clinical decisions in the interests of their patients. If the procedures were emergencies or urgently required to enable member quality of life, those would have proceeded.’  The public sector too experienced backlogs in terms of elective surgeries. Examples are procedures including but not limited to, cataracts, orthopaedic surgeries, scopes, caesarean sections, tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies. BHF cautioned funders In July, The Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) and its members in the healthcare funding space requested members of medical schemes to proceed with caution in scheduling elective surgical procedures. Dr Rajesh Patel, Head of Benefit and Risk at the BHF, said, ‘While the relaxation of the lockdown restrictions is good news for people, the country and the economy at large, we are still in the eye of the storm.’ The way forward? ‘As we move toward Level one, elective surgeries are almost back to normal,’ says Callakoppen. ‘It’s time to address the backlog of surgeries not considered emergency during lockdown. These include slow-growing cancers, orthopaedic and spine surgeries, airway surgeries, surgeries for non-cancerous tumours as well heart surgeries. We caution against a rush of elective surgeries though. Any surgery has an impact on the immune system which means the patient has a greater risk of contracting Covid-19 and developing complications from it. ‘It must further be noted that in some instances surgery is often recommended by specialists as one of the key courses of action. But we have noted that managed care protocols, in many instances, improve clinical outcomes with lower risk to the patient. One such example of this is spinal surgery, which is often unsuccessful. From a Bonitas perspective, we have noted that in the back and neck programme which enforces functional rehabilitation has been far more effective for our members. In addition, the risk to the member is significantly lower.’ Bonitas recommends the following is taken into account:  That elective surgeries should only be resumed in instances where not having the procedure will severely impact the members’ health and quality of life  That the current state of a patient’s healthcare is assessed –  individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma HIV/AIDS and hypertension, are at high-risk of developing Covid-19 complications The patient’s age is taken into consideration (older individuals are identified as one of the most vulnerable groups) The impact of waiting on the patient’s healthcare outcomes (for example, is it essential that the surgery takes place now or can it safely be deferred for a few months) Alternative care protocols – in some cases surgery, which should be a last resort, is prescribed without considering other treatment protocols such as rehabilitation. The most common examples of this include back and spine procedures, elective c-sections as well hip and knee replacements The use of day hospitals and clinics,  where possible, to limit the possible chance of infection We may have flattened the curve but we are by no means out of the woods. Current Covid-19 cases in South Africa prove that.  What is happening in hospitals? ‘Surgeries are being resumed responsibly with due collaboration and consideration exercised between the surgeon, the patient and hospital staff,’ says Callakoppen. Where there are capacity constraints, surgeries will be classified in terms of priority at the various hospitals. Pre-operative screening will continue. Facilities will continue to utilise separate zones for Covid-19 positive patients, Persons Under Investigation (PUI) and those for whom the status is unknown at the point of admission. Surgeries will be carefully planned and scheduled. Specialist visits on the up ‘Consultations are starting to increase once again but providers in general are likely to remain prudent. However we urge people who have not had their necessary annual check-ups, particularly our high risk members, to consult with their doctors. There may be members who have put these consultations on hold and are now more comfortable to visit a specialist. But care coordination

September 11, 2020
Parenting Hub

Making the most of time: To save for education

If you’re planning to save for your child’s tertiary studies, doing so early is the best way to do it.   The exciting news of welcoming a child into the world changes your life, and time can go by so quickly. Planning for tertiary education costs early, will make all the difference to affording the best education and opportunities available. You generally have at least 18 years to save towards university costs as a new parent. So, let’s assume for a 4-year bachelor’s degree, you’ll need as much as R85 000 per year for university tuition alone. This added up seems staggering, but will be more manageable to achieve over time, thanks to compound interest (provided you start saving early).  It is important to personalise your goals to know where you are going. One way is to define which university you are most likely to send your child to so that you can better quantify your savings goal. It might be difficult to picture it now, but this will allow you to more accurately ensure that your level of monthly savings matches the future costs of tertiary studies, to avoid a shortfall. It is important to note there is a large disparity between university costs in different provinces. The cost of residence or accommodation should you want your child to attend a university out of town should also be defined as this can be more than double the cost of tuition, which changes the savings requirement dramatically. There are a few key savings vehicles to consider using for these savings: 1. Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA).This has the benefit of allowing you to save up to R36 000 per tax year (capped at R500 000 over your lifetime) without any taxation on the growth of the investment. So this mean you’ll pay no tax on interest, dividends or capital gains. This should be in your name and not your child’s, as you could be removing their right to have their own TFSA later in life, due to the contribution maximum limits. 2. Discretionary unit trust or ETF (Exchange traded fund)This is similar to a TFSA, but without the tax benefits. This should be considered if you are already using a TFSA in your personal portfolio. An ETF is an alternative to a unit trust fund, and usually tracks an index. 3. Endowment / Sinking fund policy.This should only be considered if you are already using a TFSA in your personal portfolio and your marginal tax rate is above 30%. As it is estimated that education inflation runs at around 9% per year, it is imperative to invest your money in the selected vehicle above in a high-growth portfolio that will target long-term capital growth at inflation plus 5% to 7% per year. This type of mandate should invest the majority of your savings in local or offshore shares. As you will be investing monthly, you gain the benefit of rand cost averaging (averaging your entry into volatile stock markets), which will smooth your return over time. As always this advice is assumptive and generic and you should always work with a Certified Financial Planner® to tailor a financial plan to your unique circumstances, and consider the appropriate investment mandate and tax structure that may impact you. Alexi Coutsoudis, CFP at PSG Wealth Umhlanga Ridge

September 10, 2020
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Physical touch & newborns – why is this so important

The birth of your baby is a beautiful and special moment in both of your lives. You may be wondering about your newborn’s senses, while they are born with all necessary senses, some are less precise than others and develop as your baby grows. Physical touch is an important aspect of your child’s growth, coming from your womb, where they are tightly cocooned in your womb. Skin to skin contact offers benefits to both you and your baby, and touch is one of the senses that can help comfort your baby, making them feel more secure and helping strengthen the bond between the two of you. Why is touch important? Touch enables your baby to learn more about the world, bond with their mother and learn communication skills, as touch and body language will be the first way that you can ‘speak’ to one another. Breastfeeding is an important part of this, as your baby then spends time in her mother’s arms. The benefits of touch goes beyond the physical. Contact between mom and baby has been shown to lower cortisol levels, which in turn benefits the functioning of the immune system.  Children that are deprived of touch can be more aggressive with other conduct disorder problems. What is swaddling? Coming from a tightly packed womb, you’ll find that your baby is comforted by touch and close cuddles. Swaddling your baby in a blanket is also another technique that you can use on young babies to help them feel more secure, as it stops them from upsetting themselves from their own startle reflex. It’s important that your newborn finds their new world a comfortable and soothing place. Swaddling is an old technique, and beyond helping your little one feel safe and secure, your baby is likely to sleep better and will be kept nice and cosy in their blanket. If you decide to swaddle your baby it’s best to do so from birth, as opposed to introducing it when they are older as this can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Using the proper techniques when swaddling is also important, as incorrect wrapping can lead to issues.

September 8, 2020
Parenting Hub

Does your pantry have a nutrition gap?

‘Flu epidemics have us thinking hard about what foods to buy to support our family’s immunity and supply the best nutritional value for money. When shopping for the pantry, remember that our bodies not only need proteins, carbohydrates and fats, but also vitamins and minerals. Refined carbs and saturated fats are generally affordable and typically part of Western style meals, but protein is often perceived to be more expensive. Correct levels of all vitamins and minerals, although needed in smaller amounts, are difficult to ensure even in a so-called balanced diet, so people tend to buy a variety of nutritional supplements.   Lifegain® ALL-IN-ONE Advanced Nutritional Supplement is therefore a good choice, particularly when seasonal changes might leave your body requiring extra nutritional support. Lifegain® (click through to www.lifegain.co.za) costs just over R12.42 a serving a day*. It is high in protein with 15 g per serving from the triple protein blend of soy protein, milk protein concentrate and whey protein isolate, and high in energy.  24 vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and Glutamine further support immune and digestive health. There is no equivalent all-in-one supplement that provides the whole body with the high levels of nutrients that Lifegain® does.  We usually can’t do anything about stressful events, but we can control good nutrition to help us through it.   For nearly 20 years Lifegain has been supporting the healthy and those whose nutritional needs are higher due to age, injury, hospitalisation or illness. Just add two level scoops of powder to 200 ml of milk, water, juice or smoothies  Available from selected pharmacies and retail outlets nationwide and online from Takealot, Clicks and Dis-Chem.  * Lifegain® 33-serving tins in vanilla, strawberry or chocolate flavours, at around R409.95 = R12.42 a serving.  Lifegain® 10-serving tins in vanilla, cappuccino, strawberry and chocolate, and Lifegain® Junior, both around R169.95 = R17 a serving. 

September 3, 2020
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

How does my diet affect my pregnancy?

A healthy diet is always important, but during pregnancy you are eating for both you and your baby so it’s critical that you remain healthy. Eating poorly during pregnancy can have a long term impact on your baby’s health growing up. So that being said, what foods should you be eating during pregnancy? If you eat healthily already you won’t need to go onto a special diet during pregnancy, but it’s important to get the right nutrients for you and your baby through a balanced diet. Don’t be alarmed if you find yourself hungrier than usual, but even if you are expecting twins you won’t need to eat for two. It is also important to note that weight gain during pregnancy is normal, so don’t be alarmed by this. Eating schedules differ between moms, however, it is generally recommended that you eat smaller amounts more frequently when pregnant, especially if you are struggling with morning sickness. What to eat when you’re expecting Fruit and veggies are your friend during pregnancy. Providing much needed vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Protein is another important nutrient, and you should try to include it in your diet everyday as it helps your baby grow strong. Sources of protein include nuts, beans, pulses, eggs, lean meat and fish. However, raw, cured and uncooked meat are all risky to consume during pregnancy as they can cause toxoplasmosis. Another important source of energy is carbohydrates, specifically whole grains. They contain vitamin B, fibre and iron, which are all important for the baby’s growth and staying healthy. These include oatmeal, wholewheat pasta and bread, potatoes and maize. If you are suffering from morning sickness, these blander foods fill you and can be eaten little and often.  Foods that are rich in calcium should also be eaten regularly. Dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and yogurt are all options containing calcium as well as protein and vitamin D. That being said, some cheeses (such as soft cheese like brie) should be avoided as they can contain harmful (although rare) listeria bacteria. What foods should be avoided during pregnancy There are certain foods that you should take care to avoid during pregnancy. As mentioned, rare meats and certain cheeses should be avoided. Liver and raw fish (i.e sushi) are also on the to-avoid list. Consuming too much caffeine can also affect the baby negatively. Coffee is the obvious drink to avoid, but be aware that soft drinks, green tea, certain energy drinks and chocolate all contain caffeine.

September 1, 2020
Dr Tamara Jaye

The 5 C’s of allergy management amidst the Corona pandemic

Allergies, the common cold and other viral flu-like illnesses share many features that are also common to COVID-19. For example, coughing or shortness of breath is associated with many viral illnesses as well as asthma. A runny nose occurs in both allergic rhinitis (hayfever) and the common cold. However, high temperatures, muscle pains and fatigue, which are common to COVID-19 and influenza, do not form part of the presentation asthma or hayfever. Another important clue to remember is that seasonal allergies tend to wax and wane, whereas in a viral illness, such as flu or COVID-19, symptoms steadily worsen. Most common presenting symptoms Asthma Hayfever Common cold Influenza COVID-19 Shortness of breath Runny nose and sneezing Runny nose and sneezing High temperature High temperature Cough Itchy and watery eyes  Sore throat Cough Cough Wheezing Post-nasal drip Fatigue Fatigue Coughing Headaches Shortness of breath Congestion Muscle pains Muscle pains Diarrhoea Sore throat Headache Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea Control any underlying allergic conditions and continue chronic prescribed medication Asthma too, needs to be well under control during this period. Although research has shown that mild to moderate asthma does not put one into a higher COVID risk category, poorly controlled asthma may lead to certain COVID-related complications. For this reason, good asthma control to prevent asthma exacerbations is key. According to numerous international allergy societies, regular asthma medications required for asthma control such as inhaled glucocorticoids, and montelukasts should not be discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Because allergic rhinitis (hayfever) presents with sneezing, a runny nose, post-nasal drip and associated itchy eyes, it may be easy to mistake these symptoms for COVID. For this reason, it is important to control allergies, perhaps even to take anti-histamine and nasal steroid medication ahead of allergy season to prevent mistaking COVID-19 for allergies.  Further incentive to good allergy control during the COVID epidemic is that nasal and eye itchiness will present a challenge to mask-wearing and not touching ones’ face.  In summary, as stated by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: “There is no data that continuing these allergy and asthma medications will have any effect on increasing your risk of getting the COVID-19 infection or if you get the infection, lead to a worse outcome. It is important to control your allergy and asthma symptoms’’. Caution needs to be exercised when using a nebuliser The use of nebulisers is not recommended during the COVID pandemic as they have been found to increase the risk of aerosol spread of the virus particles. Alternative options to nebulisers are asthma pumps, in young children with a spacer attached, to deliver bronchodilator medication.   Consult your doctor if you have concerns If you or your child experiences any symptoms of chest tightness, difficulty breathing or wheezing, please consult your GP. Doctors are still seeing the ‘usual’ winter respiratory illnesses, and so any worrying symptoms should please be discussed with your healthcare provider. Should you develop symptoms suggestive of COVID, or have a positive COVID result, it is imperative that you make your doctor is aware so that the appropriate management steps can be taken. Cover your nose and mouth with a mask, observe social distancing and wash your hands At this stage, these simple measures are our most effective defence against COVID-19! Take care and stay safe!

August 31, 2020
Parenting Hub

Sugar, comorbidities and my family

We all know how important it is to eat healthily. But have you ever given thought to how much sugar you and your family consumes daily? These are trying times we are in, the current global pandemic has raised more awareness of health issues than ever before. People are now, for the first time, learning about comorbidities and how it affects their health especially when there is a serious virus doing the rounds.  We asked Owen Dunderdale, registered South African Dietitian and online coach to define comorbidities as more people become aware of the term however lack the understanding of it. “Conditions which exist simultaneously that may be related to a common medical illness. An example of this would be someone with Metabolic Syndrome. The person may be obese, have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and have cardiovascular disease, concurrently. These are all preventable through maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and eating according to healthy nutritional guidelines. If the person changed their lifestyle, their overall health will drastically improve.” explains Dunderdale. “People who have comorbidities will most likely suffer a more severe case of COVID-19 than someone who is healthy. The higher the severity of the illness, the higher the incidence of mortality.”, he says.  Changing one’s lifestyle and eating habits is no easy task, it takes determination, lots of understanding the reasons why you started the lifestyle change in the first place and then sticking to that new change.  Health should always be the forefront for many changes. Luckily, Delite Foods locally produces products that can counteract these lifestyle issues and make it easier for one to adapt without even realizing it. Dunderdale mentions, “In order to lead a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to use products that are calorie controlled and/or are sugar-free. The World Health Organization recommends that we don’t consume more than 5-10 teaspoons of sugar/day (25-50g sugar). Why would someone consume products that are high in sugar when there are healthy, sugar-free alternatives that taste the same? I highly recommend using sugar free products. According to statistics published in 2016, the obesity rates in South Africa are increasing rapidly, with almost 70% of women and 40% of men either overweight or obese. Using sugar-free products decreases your daily calorie intake, which has a role to play in maintaining a healthy weight. Therefore, switching to sugar-free products will inevitably lower the rate of obesity. Whether you’re healthy, overweight or obese, you should be controlling your daily sugar intake and using sugar-free alternatives.”. Smart sips for the family With such knowledge and insight, where does one even start? We suggest starting with healthier drinks options. Let’s start with your daily intake of water and milk. We all know that we should be drinking about 8 glasses of water a day, yet for some of us – just the thought of a colourless and tasteless drink is quite unappealing to say the least. Kudos to those who have managed to enjoy drinking the recommended amount each day!  Here are 6 smart tips to encourage the intake of healthier drink options for yourself and your kids to enjoy as recommended by Dunderdale: 1. Flavoured water (Add a 5g sachet of Delite Foods Tantalize Powdered Soft Drink to a litre of water/sparkling water). Flavoured water is almost certainly going to increase a child’s fluid consumption. 2. Add Tantalize Flavoured Syrup to milk to create a delicious flavoured milk drink. 3. Make ice flavoured ice lollies using Delite Foods products. (more useful during the summer months). 4. Keep them happy by using the Tantalize Milky Mix to make a glass of chocolate milk or warm cup of hot chocolate.  5. Keep everyone hydrated with flavoured ice tea by simply brewing some rooibos tea bags and a sachet of Tantalize Powdered Soft Drink together for the ultimate thirst-quencher. 6. Kids enjoy flavoured drinks, so keep a jug of water and a colourful cup on the dining room table at all times. Stay connected and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

August 31, 2020
Parenting Hub

Covid-19 is hurting children’s mental health – here’s how to help

If you’re worried about how your children will weather the Covid-19 storm, you’re not alone! e The pandemic and lockdown have changed children’s lives in many ways. Especially now with schools closing again – disrupted routines, uncertainty, and parental anxiety scan have an impact on children’s mental health. We spoke to counselling psychologist Reabetsoe Buys about the mental health effects she is seeing in kids, and tips for how you can protect their mental health now and in the future.  The effects of Covid-19 and subsequent lockdown on children  Children may not be able to  handle, or be interested in too much detail. They may n develop a sense of fear around the virus –  fear of getting sick, and in particular worry about how it might affect their parents and grandparents. The lockdown had left children  more socially isolated and spending much more time at home with the family. “Almost overnight children had to stop going to school and visiting friends and relatives over the weekends. Not only is this very confusing for them, but it has given rise to feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability,” says Reabetsoe.  These fears and uncertainties can affect children in different ways. Reabetsoe says you may have noticed: Increased anxiety, clinginess, and fear Emotional outbursts, anger, and irritability Changes in sleeping and eating habits Bodily complaints like stomach aches or headaches which seem to have no medical basis Regression, such as being afraid to be sleep in their own room Feelings of sadness and loneliness, as they miss school and friends Helping your kids cope “Fortunately, children are much more resilient than we think, so as a parent/guardian try not to panic when your child shows any changes in how they function during this time,” says Reabetsoe.  Here are ways you can help your child cope: COVID-19 concerns and worry  Find out what they already know. Then you’ll be able to fill in the gaps. But if they don’t seem interested or their questions are few, that’s also OK. Talk about COVID-19 openly and truthfully – make sure you provide factual information in a calm manner.  Provide context. Inform them that children don’t get as sick as adults, who get symptoms similar to those of a cold or  flu. Also explain that most people who get the virus do recover and do this reassuringly. Focus on the positives. Talk about the measures being taken to keep people safe and healthy, and that by washing their hands often, wearing masks, taking their vitamins, and getting enough sleep, they’ll stay healthy and strong – be a good role model and let them see you doing these protective activities often  Regarding the lockdown Give them space to share their fears: allow your child to tell you what they’re thinking and feeling. Check in with them regularly and let them know they can always come to you for answers or talk about what scares them.  Empathise and normalise their feelings. Reassure them that they are safe and taken care of – extra hugs and love can go a long way! Share age-appropriate information with them so that they understand the limitations (e.g. we cannot go out because we need to make sure we keep safe in our home). Routine, structure, and consistency create a sense of stability and security. Give them specific things to do to feel in control – get them involved in planning fun activities which the family can do together. Make time for fresh air and exercise. Do not stress over schoolwork if it becomes unmanageable at the moment, especially when children are young – it is already a stressful time! Set up video playdates so your child can be in touch with friends, cousins and other family members. Selfcare is of the essence  Parents are experiencing their own stresses around health, safety, finances, family and the uncertain future. Children are sensitive to their parents’ feelings of stress and anxiety. Try to take care of yourself and manage your own stress and anxiety as best you can. Make time to connect with other adults and nurture those relationships and get help when you need it. Ask for a helping hand for your kids  While we are still trying to navigate these trying times, it is just as important to keep an eye on changes which might indicate a significant impact on mental health and well-being. If symptoms persist or worsen, reach out for assistance or support. Many therapists are conducting virtual sessions for adults and children. Help is always near  South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), (011) 234 4837 Lifeline SA: 086 132 2322.  Anton Keet, Head of Risk Services at 1Life

August 28, 2020
Parenting Hub

Should you test your child’s DNA?

To test or not to test… In countries like Norway and Finland, it is standard practice to test every new born baby for various genetic disorders. Conditions like Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anaemia, Duchenne Muscular dystrophy, Tay-Sachs Disease, Phenylketonuria, and Thalassemia which are caused by a single gene mutation and respond well to early treatment which can prevent potentially serious complications or permanent disability.  In other countries, for example Kuwait, compulsory DNA testing was over-ruled after being challenged in court, in favour of protecting the right to personal liberty and privacy.  However, few diseases are the result of a single genetic mutation. Instead, multiple genes interact with each other and with environmental factors to influence the child’s risk of illness and the severity of any given disease or condition. This means that it is possible to make changes to the child’s diet and conditions to influence whether or not these conditions will manifest.  Every parent at some stage worries about whether they have passed on a hereditary disease to their child, and the truth is that their susceptibility to those conditions is indicated in many of today’s DNA tests. Nonetheless, this information is not necessarily doom and gloom. The focus of precision medicine, which includes DNA testing is to use this information to avoid these conditions setting in. Prevention is more effective once one knows the risks.  “Genetic tests can help parents to make informed lifestyle choices for infants and young children. For example, these tests can help identify the likely cause of digestive issues, to avoid further symptoms and promote healthy digestion” says Dr Christa North, nutrigenomics specialist at Genway.   What lifestyle DNA testing will enable you to know about your child  The risk of nutritional deficiencies can be identified in DNA test results. This way you can work out exactly which nutritional supplements should be given to the child.  The Geneway Genediet test explains which food types are best suited to his / her system and which should be avoided   DNA tests explain a child’s circadian rhythm and give insights regarding their optimal sleep times and needs.  The Geneway Genesport test explains whether one’s body is better positioned for anaerobic (power/ strength)  or aerobic (endurance) sports, as well as how well their body will respond to exercise. This explains their sport potential and will help guide you on how to manage this aspect of their development.    New DNA tests identify the strengths and weaknesses of each person’s immune system and give indications of how these can be addressed for optimal health  The onset of Diabetes in children has increased tremendously in the past decade. Testing the child’s DNA helps explain his / her predisposition for this condition so that parents can structure their diet accordingly, and know the signs to look out for.  The details are in the DNA  Here are a few of the genes that are tested by South African  DNA testing company Geneway and what they indicate: MTHFR – Switching genes on / of. Sometimes your child’s focus is great, other days s/he has major anxiety, complains about headaches or is simply just grumpy. Even autism is a possibility….. COMT – “laid-back or tense?” The gene that determines whether your child is cheerful and focused or quickly irritated, impatient, has a high pain sensitivity and sleep is a challenge  DAO – “sensitivity to certain foods” You know your child is allergic to ‘something’ or sometimes you feel like he / she is allergic to ‘everything’, but cannot figure out what? GSTs – “Detox issues” Chemicals and smells make your child feel sick and they probably will develop grey hair early. In addition, they are more vulnerable to DNA damage. MAO-A – mood swings & carb cravings This gene helps govern the levels of dopamine and serotonin, brain chemicals that affect mood, aggression, productivity, vulnerability to addictions, self-confidence, sleep and carb cravings! NOS3 – heart issues Are heart problems on the way? Cold hands and feet can indicate that blood flow and blood vessel formation are affected. PEMT – liver and brain issues No! Your child is not made to be a vegetarian! In addition, gallbladder problems and muscle pain are common. APOE – want to play rugby? The ApoE gene promotes repair and growth in brain cells after traumatic injuries such as concussions. Contact sports are not a good idea HFE – “iron man” Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, however, the opposite, an iron overload, can have far more devastating consequences. Too much iron in the body causes liver disease, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain and has an effect on normal puberty development. F2 & F5 – blood clotting issues Blood clotting disorders, heart disease and strokes.  Diseases that start young but are often only diagnosed when too late  To test or not to test  The information obtained in DNA tests can be used to dramatically improve a child’s quality of life if this is accompanied by proper medical interpretation and thorough recommendations. You as a parent will be in a position to make more informed choices regarding their health, wellness, sport and diet if you are equipped with detailed information.   What is important is to ensure that a qualified healthcare provider interprets and presents the results to you. DNA reports are highly detailed, and while some international companies do offer a test and report (without consultation) a professional consultation is highly recommended to ensure that both you the parents and your child gets the full benefit of the test.  More information is available at https://www.geneway.co.za/ or call (012) 346 2469

August 25, 2020
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Stimulating your baby’s senses

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Believe it or not your baby will learn a lot in their first year of life. One way you can help them learn is to provide stimulation for them in different forms. This can be done in a variety of ways such as stimulating their vision and hearing or through touch and movement. Remember to spend some time every day working to help your baby explore the world around them. Stimulating your baby’s visionThe following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Make eye contact with your baby during times when their eyes are open. Look them right in the eye. They recognize faces very early in life, especially yours! This helps them develop their memory. Use a mirror to let your baby stare at his or herself. They will enjoy looking at “another” baby and watching the movements it makes. Stick out your tongue for your baby or make funny faces. Starting at 2 days old newborns can begin to mimic simple facial movements as they begin to develop problem solving skills. Hold up two pictures for your baby to look at. They should be similar, but with some sort of difference between the two – maybe one has a house and the other doesn’t. Even young babies will look back and forth between the two to try and figure out the difference between them. This can help them develop letter recognition and reading skills later on. Stimulating your baby with laughing and singingThe following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Find ways to get your baby laughing. This can be through methods like gentle tickling, blowing on their arms and tummy, or making funny faces. As they get older you can joke around more too. Laughter is great for babies! Sing songs to your baby. Learn as many as you can or make up your own words to songs you already know. Play music to your baby. This can be Bach or Mozart or even the Beatles. Learning music rhythms may help them learn math skills later on. Talk away. In other words, have a silly, fun conversation with your baby. Chat away and pause at places where your baby would speak in the conversation. As your baby grows, they will learn to start chatting to fill in the spaces you leave. Be sure to make eye contact and smile a lot! Play peek-a-boo, it’s great for getting babies to giggle and laugh – it also teaches them that objects can disappear and then come back. Physical activities for your babyThe following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Turn yourself into a playground by lying on the floor and letting your baby crawl all over you. This will help boost their problem-solving skills and coordination. Teach them to move to music. You can teach them to do the twist, twist and shout or even twirl like a ballerina. This helps them develop skills like balance and coordination as well as a sense of rhythm. Create an obstacle course by laying toys, boxes or sofa cushions on the floor and then show your baby how to crawl over and around or under the items. This helps with problem-solving, strength and coordination. Play pick-up by allowing them to drop toys or pieces of wadded up paper off their highchair into a bucket or other safe container. This helps them learn and explore the laws of gravity. Newborn hearingThe following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Newborns can hear immediately upon birth and are able to distinguish their mother’s voice above all else. If your baby does not seem to react to your voice or does not startle with a loud noise, be sure to tell your paediatrician.

August 17, 2020
Parenting Hub

Woman break their silence at fertility show africa

3Sixty BioMedicine in partnership with well-known radio personality and medical practitioner, Dr Sindi van Zyl, launched a national campaign to give women struggling with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and infertility a voice. During the Fertility Show Africa at the Gallagher Convention Centre on 6th and 7th March, the #BreakTheSilence campaign was launched in conjunction with the launch of 3Sixty BioMedicine’s new Salome Fertility product to encourage women to share their stories on social media. The #BreakTheSilence campaign started with Dr Sindi sharing her emotional story about infertility and PCOS but the overarching idea behind the campaign was based on the unfortunate reality that despite approximately one in six couples in Africa being affected by infertility, which equates to about 8 million people in Southern Africa alone; and that PCOS also affects 8 – 13% of women – it is still rarely spoken about. PCOS is the most common cause of infertility and this complex hormonal disorder that involves reproductive and metabolic problems, is at best inconvenient to women and at worst can cause infertility and even serious illness. Symptoms include irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles, elevated levels of the male hormone androgen which results in excess body hair and acne, and polycystic ovaries where the ovaries are not able to function properly.   While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, possible complications are many. PCOS can lead to, among other things, infertility, type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety, and endometrial cancer. Treatment is varied and for many women simple lifestyle changes like improving their diet or exercising is all they need to correct the imbalance. For others, medical interventions are necessary especially under the threat of infertility or illnesses. 3Sixty BioMedicine CEO, Walter Mbatha says, “The most common medical intervention is correcting the hormonal imbalance by prescribing a contraceptive pill. These days though, many women are steering clear of taking additional hormones and tend to favour more natural options. We understood the need and gap in the market to develop a natural product range for the treatment of a number of female health issues including PCOS. Salome Fertility has been developed specifically to assist in the management and  regulation of ovarian function in patients with PCOS and we hope this product will provide new hope to those suffering in silence as a result of this common condition,” explained Mbatha.  Salome Fertility contains higher doses of D-chiro-inositol which is extracted from the carob bean tree and has been shown to improve the functional deficiencies observed in PCOS. The benefits of the newly launched Salome Fertility product includes the reduction in hyperandrogenism, ovulation regulation and reduction of oxidative stress in follicular liquid.  To throw extra support behind the need to drive awareness and educate people about treatment options related to PCOS and infertility, 3Sixty Biomedicine also sponsored  two seminars at the Fertility Show Africa by PCOS and fertility experts. Dr Sindi van Zyl made an appearance at the Salome Fertility stand to share her journey with PCOS and infertility to members of the public who attended the first ever fertility show in Africa. “I was diagnosed with PCOS when trying to have my first child and that’s why I struggled to conceive. It took me four years to fall pregnant with my daughter and another three years to fall pregnant with my son. I have been trying to have a third child but had a miscarriage in 2014 and have been trying unsuccessfully to fall pregnant again since then. The good news is that there are many fertility treatments available for women who are struggling. I am particularly excited about 3Sixty BioMedicine’s natural product that has just been launched called Salome Fertility. I encourage other women to start connecting and talking about their struggles with PCOS and infertility – it’s time we #BreakTheSilence”, stated van Zyl when queried about her decision to participate in the ground-breaking campaign. Mbatha added that women suffering from PCOS will be amazed at the improvement in their symptoms after taking Salome Fertility, and the fact that this treatment is non-invasive with natural extracts makes it the perfect choice for many women suffering from this condition. Officially launched at the first ever Fertility Show Africa on 6th March 2020 and aptly within international ‘Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month’, Salome Fertility will be available in capsule packs at pharmacies countrywide as well as online at 3SixtyBiomedicine.co.za. Salome Fertility is the first of the Salome range being introduced into the market by 3Sixty Biomedicine in early 2020, of which all these herbal medicinal products aim to provide assistance in the treatment of common problems that affect women’s health, such as: • Fertility – helping to manage the ovarian function in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* (PCOS) • Heavy Menstrual Bleeding • Menstrual Pain or Discomfort • PMS, Menopausal Symptoms For more information about the Salome Fertility product and Salome range, go to www.3SixtyBioMedicine.co.za or connect on social media: Facebook: Salome Range Twitter: @SalomeRange Instagram: SalomeRange

August 17, 2020
ChildSafe

Childhood Poisoning

A small child exposed to a potentially poisonous substance causes great anxiety in parents. In South Africa, just under half of the calls to the Poisons Information Helpline relate to accidental poisoning in children under the age of 5 years. Fortunately, accidental poisoning is seldom fatal; childhood poisoning contributed only 0.3% to deaths in children under the age of 5 years for 2017 in South Africa.  Accidental poisoning is commonest in children under five years, with a peak at two years of age. At this age, children are becoming more mobile, they like to explore, and copy older children and adults, but they do not yet recognise danger.   For a pre-school child, home is the main living environment, so exposures to household substances are common. Household substances include cleaning agents such as bleaches and soaps, which can cause a local chemical (burn) injury. Cosmetics are common in the home, but unlikely to cause significant poisoning.  Common medicines that children can find at home if they are not stored safely include flu remedies, pain medication, antihistamines, tablets for heart and mental health conditions. These can cause serious poisoning in small children.  Homes such as those seen in informal settlements may have paraffin and pesticides which are easily accessible. Pesticides can be swallowed, breathed in or absorbed through the skin. Toddlers often find rat pellets and granules which have been mixed with food and put out behind cupboards and on the floor. Poor ventilation after fumigation can also result in poisoning. Paraffin is the single most common substance to cause poisoning in children. Many parents decant paraffin into smaller juice bottles, which children confuse with water, particularly in the hot summer months when they are thirsty. Just a small sip can cause harm to the lungs resulting in shortness of breath and breathing difficulty.  Other factors may influence the risk of childhood poisoning. Family stress plays an important role. Overcrowding, moving home or holidays away from home, lack of child supervision, single or unemployed parents, and anxiety or depression in parents increases the risk of poisoning for the child. Grandparents’ homes may be particularly risky to the under-5s if adult medicines are kept in unprotected places. Potential causes of harm are not limited to the home, as substances in the environment such as plants, mushrooms, snakes and spiders can also result in poisoning.  Assessing the risk for my child Exposure does not necessarily mean poisoning. A substance may not be poisonous at all, or too little may have been taken to cause harm. If you suspect your child has been poisoned, find the container; identify the exact name of the substance, the amount taken, the time since exposure and note how the child is doing. Do this first, then consider calling the 24/7 Poisons Information Helpline, 0861 555 777. What first aid can I do immediately? Rinse the child’s mouth out with water and offer a few sips of water to drink if necessary. Forcing a child to drink a cup of milk or making them vomit is not advised as it can do more harm than good. Remove all contaminated clothes. Exposed skin should be washed thoroughly, as soon as possible, with soap under a constant stream of water that drains away, so use a shower, not a bath. Eyes should be washed with water for many minutes, with the eyelids held apart. If the child is unconscious, turn them onto their side and gently tilt the chin up (the recovery position). If a poisonous gas or smoke has been breathed in, move the child to fresh air.  What might happen at the clinic or hospital? A child with poisoning is usually seen quickly at the clinic or hospital. If the child has taken a lot of a particular poison, and is seen within an hour of drinking it, a mixture of charcoal and water may be given to the child to drink which binds to the poison inside the stomach; this should only be done by a health worker.  Most poisons have no antidote, so treatment is guided by symptoms (e.g. treating pain) and aimed at supporting the function of affected body organs (e.g. oxygen for difficulty in breathing, fluids if significant diarrhoea and vomiting etc). Children mostly recover well from poisoning.  How can I prevent poisoning in my home? Always store potential poisons out of sight and reach of children, like in a locked cupboard or in a wire cage with a padlock, high up where children can’t reach. Always put medicines away immediately after use.  Remember that childproof containers are not 100% childproof. Never refer to medicines as sweets. It makes them more attractive to a child. Avoid taking medicines in front of children. They love to imitate adults, especially their parents. Do not share medicines. Do not store medicines in handbags. Dispose of unnecessary medicines. Unused medicines should be returned to the local clinic or pharmacy and must not be thrown away in the dustbin where children may find them.  Be especially careful when visiting other homes, as medicines may not be stored as safely as in your home. Buy pesticides from shops and in proper packaging with all the warning labels. Always wear gloves when using pesticides. Always leave chemicals and detergents in their original containers; don’t transfer them to cooldrink bottles. Keep loose batteries and battery-controlled devices away from children and place a piece of sticky tape over the battery case. Teach your children about the dangers of eating anything from the garden. If your child has been poisoned, call the 24/7 Poisons Information Helpline, 0861 555 777.

August 14, 2020
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Cancelling your medical aid should be a last resort

When your income is threatened, reduced or, in the worst-case scenario has dried up, deciding where to spend and where to save becomes critical. In circumstances such as retrenchment, or periods of reduced employment, it may be tempting to consider quick-fix solutions and take a break from your medical aid but, during a global pandemic, you may want to think twice. ‘South Africans are faced with many challenges during this tough time and we are aware of the financial implications the lockdown has placed on everyone,’ says Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund.  ‘The pandemic has put a spotlight on the need for quality healthcare, which means a decision to cancel your medical aid is not recommended and should not be taken lightly.’ Let’s consider the costs involved if you are not on medical aid, become infected with the Coronavirus and are admitted to a private hospital.  Cost realities The cost for a patient spending two weeks in a general ward for the treatment of COVID-19 is around R99 201. But if that patient is transferred to ICU for a period of two weeks, the cost rises to about R392 340. These costs include specialists, pathology, radiology and allied services. The alternative: Public healthcare. However, the exponential spike in the number of COVID-19 cases has meant that hospitals are overcrowded, resulting in a shortage of staff, equipment and ventilators.  ‘Our advice is to consider your specific medical needs, as well as your budget, when deciding how to proceed, particularly if you have chronic conditions or are at greater risk. Buying down is definitely a key consideration, or look at network options which offer marked savings. The Bonitas Select Plans, for example, are priced 15% cheaper than non-network options. In addition, we strongly advise that you consider benefit richness against your contributions.’ Key questions to ask yourself include: Does my medical aid offer additional benefits that are paid from risk rather than savings or day-to-day benefits?  Does my medical aid offer alternatives like virtual GP consultations, chronic medicine delivery and online antenatal classes to deal with the concerns posed by the lockdown? Another big factor to consider when it comes to COVID-19 medical care is comorbidities, or the coexistence of two or more diseases or disorders. ’The Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, warned early on in the pandemic that South Africa has a significant burden of non-communicable diseases, or chronic conditions, with diabetes and hypertension topping the list,’ says Callakoppen. Projections are highly uncertain at this time but our actuarial team has estimated around 30%, or 215 851, members of the Bonitas population are at risk of contracting COVID-19, based on comorbidities. The conservative financial impact to the Scheme could potentially exceed R450m, in addition to annual claims costs, which amounts to R15bn. Although there is a high level of uncertainty around the level of care required, we project that COVID-19 cases will be managed as follows: 20% requiring hospitalisation 5% requiring treatment in ICU What will the consequences be on members if they cancel their policies? ‘Unfortunately, members who resign from the Fund are unable to access healthcare benefits. There are strict rules and regulations governing the medical aid industry, in place to protect both members and the financial sustainability of medical schemes.’ Cancelling your membership This should be your last resort. If you do cancel, try to rejoin or join a new scheme within three months otherwise the new scheme can impose:  A three months’ general waiting period  A 12 months’ exclusion from cover for any existing medical condition Late joiner penalties on all people over 35 years of age. Before you make any important decisions, it might be worth considering what options are available to you, what your priorities are and where you cannot afford to fall short. It is also advisable to speak to your medical aid provider to find out what they can offer you. Joining a medical aid now Callakoppen says they have a seen a marked increase in queries about joining the Fund.  Waiting periods apply as normal with a 12 month’s exclusion cause. However, Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) are covered immediately, this includes COVID-19. ‘Medical aids have needed to adapt during the pandemic, offering added value to members including education, advice, virtual care, etc. COVID-19 has meant we have to be more innovative and re-evaluate the way we consult with members. The need for social distancing has accelerated access to virtual care to protect health practitioners as well as patients. As a Fund, we continue to explore new ways to ensure our member have access to quality healthcare at all times.’  Added value is essential, particularly during this tough economic time and we’ve introduced a range of elements to support members on a clinical, emotional and financial basis.  These include: Introducing free 24/7 virtual care with GPs to all South Africans through the Bonitas app. We have had over 33 000 downloads of the app over the past six weeks Through our partner, Pharmacy Direct, we offer home delivery of chronic medication and, during COVID-19, six month prescriptions are being delivered. Around 187 995 members are enrolled on the chronic medicine programme, of these over 55% use the home delivery service Setting up a dedicated Rapid Response Unit  in our managed care team to address COVID-19 concerns and support members who are Persons Under Investigation, test positive or are in recovery Creating a COVID-19 hub on our website so that members have access to accurate information on the Coronavirus and the steps they can take to protect themselves and their loved ones Creating a corporate return to work programme to support employer groups with daily screenings, occupational health and safety, etc Creating isiXhosa, isiZulu, isiSetswana and Afrikaans videos to help educate on steps to take to curb the spread of COVID-19 Launching new self-service channels through the Bonitas app and WhatsApp that allow members to access statements and tax certificates, submit and view claims and access electronic membership cards. There is also a

August 13, 2020
Happy Family Organics

Guidance for raising a child with food allergies

Raising a child with food allergies can be daunting and definitely requires extra time, attention, and effort. There are, however, a number of measures you can take to alleviate stress while maintaining a safe eating environment for your baby. Know that you are not alone in this effort. According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), food allergies are on the rise, with about 1 in 13, or 8 %, of children being allergic to at least one food. The good news is that the rise in food allergies has led to increased allergy awareness, education, regulation, and labelling; as well as more allergy-friendly restaurants and food allergy policies in schools and day cares. First and foremost, always be your own detective when it comes to food allergens, and never make assumptions based on word of mouth or past experiences. Reading labels (when available) is critical but know that food ingredients and menu items can change, even in longstanding products. Keep in mind that allergens may not be obvious – they can (and do) hide in coatings, thickeners, spices, natural flavours and other ingredients found in fresh, frozen, refrigerated and shelf-stable foods, salad bars and restaurant meals. Did you know that germ, seitan, and tabbouleh all contain wheat? When in doubt, ask! Ask the staff of grocery stores, restaurants and food manufacturing companies to get all the facts. Also keep an eye open for market recalls due to cross contact, which is when an allergen comes into contact with, and therefore contaminates, another food or food product. Cross contact can occur in manufacturing facilities, restaurant deep fryers, deli meat blade slicers, ice cream scoops, prep bowls, even the cutting boards in your own home. Cross contact is a serious issue, as even a tiny amount of an allergen is enough to cause a reaction in some people. Strategies for eating at home Preparing more foods at home is a smart strategy for maintaining greater control over your child’s food sources, minimising cross contact, and limiting their processed food consumption. Not to mention that limiting processed foods is generally an additional boost to their good health since processed foods tend to be higher in salt, sugar, and fat. When food shopping, read labels carefully. Foods containing major allergens must clearly declare those allergens on the label. The allergen will be stated either in parenthesis after a particular ingredient (for example, albumin (egg), lecithin (soy)) or listed at the very end of the ingredient list proceeding the word “contains” (for example, “Contains egg and soy”).  Strategies for eating out When eating out, there is no shame in speaking with your waiter about your child’s dietary restrictions and asking for a detailed ingredients list. If a waiter cannot answer your questions, then ask to speak with the chef or a manager. The chef knows exactly what goes into each dish, and in many cases, they will be able to create a dish not listed on the menu, or change one of the dishes on the menu to accommodate your child’s allergy. We also recommend, when feasible, calling a restaurant in advance, during slower service times – such as at 11am before the lunch rush, or 5pm before the dinner rush – to plan ahead.  Managing a food allergy may seem daunting at times, but there are some simple steps you can incorporate into your daily life to both protect your child, and maintain your sanity. Basic steps you can take to protect your child: Read food labels Always check ingredient lists. Don’t hesitate to ask chefs, waiters and manufacturers about any unfamiliar or ambiguous ingredients (like spices or natural flavours). Inform anyone handling your child’s food about specific allergies Educate caregivers and schools about your child’s specific allergies and be ready to strategise with them. It is very important that your child’s teachers, principal and friends know about their allergy. If your child is of an age where they visit or sleep over at friends without your presence, talk to their friend’s parents, and pack them a lunch box or home-prepped dinner to ensure they don’t eat anything they’re not supposed to (this will also help out the other parent who may be nervous about cooking for a child with allergies). Be prepared to combat exposure to an allergen Keep antihistamine and epinephrine (if prescribed by your physician) with you (or with your child if they are away from you) at all times. Consult with your paediatrician and/or allergist to have a plan of action in place should exposure to an allergen occur. Ensure you have the necessary medication in various places, so that you can get quick access regardless of where you are. For example, keep medication at home in the first aid kit, keep some in your handbag for when you are out, in the cubby hole of your car and ensure your child’s teacher has a supply and knows how to issue it to your child. Older children should also carry their own medication with them and should be taught when and how to take it if necessary.  Avoid riskier food choices Buffets, bakeries and restaurants with pre-made foods are full of potential allergy pitfalls. Ask questions, or avoid these establishments altogether. Spread the word Carry cards that list your child’s food allergies and hand them out to caregivers, waiters, chefs, family members, babysitters and more! For severe allergies, you might also want to have an allergy medical alert bracelet made for your child.  Plan ahead! And take special precautions when traveling Call restaurants in advance and speak to the manager to find out if your child’s food needs can be accommodated. Pack safe, non-perishable foods and snacks just in case. Also be sure to notify airline attendants, hotel agents, and visiting family members of any allergies when traveling (if traveling abroad, you can purchase translation cards made for this purpose).  Cook at home more often and eat fewer processed foods Taking these steps alone will lessen the risk

August 12, 2020
Parenting Hub

Naturally why women won’t suffer in silence anymore

Because it’s not common knowledge, it’s hard to imagine that 30% of women suffer from menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding every month. Painful symptoms and discomfort are just some of the things these ladies contend with behind closed doors despite their busy lives. A South African based company, 3Sixty Biomedicine believes that too many women suffer from this kind of commonplace health issue without realizing that they’re not alone and that there are more natural treatments and alternatives available to them.  Symptoms of menorrhagia include soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours, needing to use double sanitary protection to control your menstrual flow, needing to wake up to change sanitary protection during the night, bleeding for longer than a week and passing large blood clots. In most cases it’s accompanied by mild to severe cramps lasting from 12 to 72 hours as well as nausea, vomiting, fatigue headaches and diarrhea. Some patients even complain about pain in the hips, lower back, inner thighs and pressure in the abdomen.  Debilitating symptoms like these add pressure to the lives of busy women but interestingly the condition is largely undertreated. For those who do seek medical intervention, there are several treatments that can be administered depending on a woman’s age, coexisting medical conditions, family history and desire for fertility. These include contraceptives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tranexamic acid or even surgery such as a hysterectomy. However, with a growing shift and demand for more natural treatments by consumers and medical practitioners – companies like 3Sixty Biomedicine are in the ideal position to offer relief to consumers from a myriad of common but often neglected women’s health issues based on natural ingredients with the added benefit of minimal side effects. The herb capsella bursa-pastoris, also known as shepherd’s purse, is a perfect example of how natural ingredients can be used in alternative treatments. This plant has been shown to significantly reduce the blood flow volumes for women suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding, containing compounds such as tannins, acetylcholine, thiamine, and flavonoids. This herb has been used for decades to treat uterine bleeding and post-partum hemorrhaging and because it has been shown to increase smooth muscle contraction in the uterus, it also facilitates the regulation of menstrual blood flow.  The good news for heavy menstrual bleeding sufferers is that there is now an alternative product to assist with management of this condition; with 3Sixty Biomedicine having introduced a natural remedy into the market. SA consumers can get Salome Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, a natural product with 400mg dry extract of capsella bursa pastoris, for the reduction of heavy menstrual bleeding in women with regular menstrual cycles after serious conditions have been excluded by a medical doctor from Takealot.com and 3Sixty Biomedicine’s website, as well as independent pharmacies nationwide. This means that women who suffer from this debilitating and inconvenient condition can finally be able to manage it naturally without the risk of complications or undesirable side effects.  For more information about Salome Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and the rest of the Salome range, go to www.3SixtyBioMedicine.co.za  or connect on social media: Facebook: Salome Range  Twitter: @SalomeRange  Instagram: SalomeRange

August 10, 2020
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Collaboration addresses the challenges of COVID-19

‘Collaboration between all the stakeholders is the cornerstone of tackling the coronavirus pandemic,’ this according to Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund. ‘This includes engaging both the public and private healthcare sector to find a way forward to address the challenges faced by South Africans. Negotiations, strategising and robust discussion with The Council for Medical Schemes(CMS), The Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF), hospital groups, healthcare practitioners and strategic healthcare service providers will enable us to find the best possible solution during this pandemic.’  Callakoppen highlights some of the key challenges facing consumers and the way forward. COVID-19 testing Challenge: Costs and availability of Coronavirus tests Solution: Negotiation and co-ordination to manage tests and a payment plan put in place Our administrator and business partners are collaborating with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the Department of Health (DoH), pathology laboratories and the Radiology Society of South Africa to try to monitor and manage the availability and cost of tests. In addition, we are collaborating on the provision and delivery of medicines and co-ordination of treatment available in order to ensure sustained, quality healthcare is available to all members. Bonitas covers COVID-19 as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB), paying for up to three PCR tests from risk – regardless of the result.  ‘One of the problems has been a shortage of tests in South Africa and we have urged our members to follow the guidelines from the Government and the World Health Organization, only testing when absolutely necessary, such as when they have come into contact with a known COVID-19 positive case, are showing symptoms and have received a referral from a healthcare practitioner for a test,’ Callakoppen says. This step aims to ensure that tests are reserved for those who really need them. These measures also go a long way in helping to curb misuse of tests and mistaking the symptoms of other respiratory illnesses for COVID-19. ‘We note that as the number of COVID-19 positive cases increase, there is a significant increase in the number of tests conducted. However, again we strongly urge the public to only test when absolutely necessary or when advised by their Healthcare practitioner to do so,  as a shortage of tests could have a much more far-reaching impact on the spread of the disease.’ Addressing affordability Challenge: Helping cash-strapped members continue paying their medical aid premiums Solution: Proactive application to CMS for concessions and looking for ways to add value to our members and South Africans ‘The economy and livelihoods of many South Africans have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. We definitely sympathise with this and, as the cost of living continues to increase it was very clear to us that affordability of medical aid, as well as daily living expenses, would become a concern. We began engaging with the CMS prior to the issuing of the CMS Circular 28 of 2020 containing COVID-19 Medical Schemes Industry Guidelines to try and offer our members some respite from the harsh economic impact. However, as medical schemes we are highly regulated in terms of our operations. As such there is a lack of parity between the level of relief we would have liked to offer our members to the level of relief that was approved.’  CMS issued an additional industry circular in April 2020, outlining how medical schemes can apply for exemptions to the Medical Schemes Act to launch lifelines to members, such as contribution holidays or accessing their medical savings accounts to cover premiums. The R160bn medical scheme market covers about 8.9-million members, most of whom are subsidised by their employers.  Callakoppen says, ‘The CMS regulates the industry and has been very specific in terms of what medical aids may and may not do. Schemes are required to request exemptions from the Medical Schemes Act to relax certain credit management policies through the CMS.  ‘We approached the CMS in April with requests for concessions and have implemented those they approved. At present, our concessions include allowing contributions to be funded from savings. In addition, we have special concessions in place for members who belong to employer groups.’ Despite the regulatory environment, Bonitas has been agile in its approach. ‘We used the challenges of the current landscape to become more innovative in terms of what we can do, within our environment, to assist our members and South Africans at large with some relief. We therefore introduced free virtual GP consultations to all South Africans through the Bonitas Member App so that they would continue to have access to healthcare during this time.  We continue to keep the issue, of how members are impacted due to the economic challenges, top of mind and this informs your strategies to respond and address the challenges consumers are experiencing.  Hospital beds Challenge: Shortage of high care and ICU beds  Solution: Negotiations to have access to facilities outside of network hospitals and standardised tariffs Together with Medscheme, our administrator, we have implemented tariff enhancements to ensure that sub-acute and day hospitals can accommodate admissions where provincial licence exemptions have been granted, when the time comes. There are about 25 800 adult acute beds in the private sector and about 3 700 day hospital and sub-acute hospital beds that stable patients could be sent to. In addition, there are 3 600 dedicated paediatric beds nationally.  ‘As a Fund we have negotiated with hospital groups to ensure that members do not have to go to a network hospital during this time when private hospitals may experience capacity constraints. Our key mandate is to act in the best interests of our members at all times and as such we strive to ensure that they have access.’  Virtual Care 24/7 for everyone Challenge: How to maintain your health during the Government’s call to stay at home and social distancing Solution: Virtual Care Early in April, Bonitas launched its Virtual Care, offering it to all South Africans, at no cost, during the COVID-19 crisis. These virtual medical consultations, with GPs and

August 7, 2020
Parenting Hub

Painful period cramps to be a thing of the past

Dysmenorrhea, the technical term for extreme period pain, is a common women’s health issue that impacts up to 20% of women with their menstrual cramping being severe enough to interfere with daily activities, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Symptoms typically begin in adolescence and may lead to school and work absenteeism, as well as limitations on social, academic, and sports activities. Since the start of 2020, an innovative South African based pharmaceutical company, 3Sixty Biomedicine, has been searching for treatments to assist females suffering from common but often neglected women’s health issues. 3Sixty Biomedicine’s latest product within the Salome range will hopefully be the answer to most women’s battle with painful menstrual cramping, even those as young as 13 years old. The new Salome Menstrual Pain product was launched and made available to South African consumers on Takealot.com, independent pharmacies nationwide and 3Sixty Biomedicine’s website in July, draws on natural ingredients and includes yarrow (Achillea millefolium) which has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory & analgesic effects which may provide relief for spasm associated with menstrual periods known as dysmenorrhoea. Primary dysmenorrhoea is defined as painful cramps that occur with menstruation and although estimates of its prevalence vary widely, it is the most common gynecologic problem in women of all ages and races. Primary dysmenorrhea is thought to be caused by excessive levels of prostaglandins – hormones that make your uterus contract during menstruation and childbirth. The pain results from the release of these hormones when the lining (endometrium) is sloughing off during your menstrual period. The symptoms of menstrual pain may include lower abdominal or pelvic pain with or without radiation to the back and the pain usually occurs at the onset of menstrual flow and typically lasts 8 to 72 hours. “Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended as the first line treatment for primary dysmenorrhoea. We are delighted to now provide women, from as young as 13 years old, with a safe alternative option to manage painful menstrual cramping that includes natural ingredients and is available in a user-friendly capsule pack online and at pharmacies countrywide. As a business we are passionate about breaking the silence on common women’s health issues. Too often conditions like menstrual cramps, PCOS and heavy menstrual bleeding are often considered taboo and are not spoken about or even treated – leaving millions of women suffering in silence and worse yet – not allowing them to reach their full potential. We want to be part of the solution by not only providing natural remedies that assist women with treating their health issues, but by also offering women educational platforms that connect them to other women and health experts via our social media channels to help #BreaktheSilence and reassure them that they are not alone”, explained 3Sixty Biomedicine’s CEO, Walter Mbatha. For more information about Salome Menstrual Pain and the rest of the Salome range, go to www.3SixtyBioMedicine.co.za  or connect on social media: Facebook: Salome Range  Twitter: @SalomeRange  Instagram: SalomeRange *Sourced information from: https://medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/dysmenorrhea#:~:text=Primary%20dysmenorrhea%20is%20thought%20to,off%20during%20your%20menstrual%20period.

August 7, 2020
Parenting Hub

3Sixty Biomedicine rallies to #BreakTheSilence in Women’s Month

This August in a bold effort to stop women suffering in silence from common health issues like infertility, heavy menstrual bleeding and painful menstruation – 3Sixty Biomedicine through their Salome range is shining a spotlight on these conditions and appealing to all South African women and the public to help #BreakTheSilence. While both men and women suffer from various common health conditions, some health issues affect women more frequently and severely. There are also multiple instances where women bear exclusive health concerns, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, heavy or painful menstruation, menopause, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Sadly, some of these health conditions go undiagnosed or are considered too taboo to discuss or find answers to so they are inevitably left untreated.  “30% of women suffer from often painful and debilitating heavy menstrual bleeding, and one in six couples, which equates to about 8 million people in Southern Africa alone, suffer from some form of infertility. The stats alone tell the story of how prolific these health issues are for women, which in most cases severely impacts their lives on an ongoing basis. Add to that cultural myths, unnecessary shame and stigma and now the Covid-19 pandemic adding yet another layer to the already painful secret that many women suffering with these conditions carry around with them in silence. We believe part of the solution to empower these women and potentially change their lives is to make them realise they are not alone and encourage them to reach out to each other and engage with health experts about what treatment options are available to them – like the Salome range,” explained Walter Mbatha.  The #BreakTheSilence campaign being rolled out at the start of Women’s Month in August 2020, includes digital, print and TV content starring real women sharing their stories and struggles. Two free consumer-focused webinars are taking place on the 12th and 13th August 2020 at 8pm with medical expert panelists Dr Sindi van Zyl and Dr Lusanda Shimange-Matsose providing hope to women looking for solutions and advice on infertility and menstruation issues. Salome Fertility was the first of the Salome range to be introduced to the South African market by 3Sixty Biomedicine in early 2020 followed by Salome Heavy Menstrual bleeding and the latest product within the range – Salome Menstrual Pain – only recently launched in late July. The Salome range of products contain natural, plant-based ingredients that are focused on providing treatment to women who suffer from infertility linked to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia) and menstrual pain or discomfort (Dysmenorrhea). “We are confident that the strategy to launch these ‘first-ever’ products to the SA market meets real consumer needs and addresses a gap in the market. To launch these products at this time positions 3Sixty Biomedicine as leaders when it comes to female health-related issues and demonstrates our commitment as a business to improve livelihoods and improve lives,” concludes Mbatha. The products are available online at Takealot.com, 3Sixty Biomedicine’s website or in all Alpha Pharm outlets and pharmacies nationwide. For more information about the Salome range, go to www.3SixtyBiomedicine.co.za  or connect on social media: Facebook: Salome Range Twitter: @SalomeRange Instagram: SalomeRange

August 7, 2020
Cosmetix

Clean beauty

What is clean beauty? The clean beauty movement embraces natural ingredients. The term clean beauty means beauty products that are cruelty-free, vegan and do not include harmful ingredients. There is no compromise in terms of quality and efficiency, just high-performance products along with peace of mind. Clean beauty products are products that do not contain ingredients such as, parabens, silicone, palm oil, sulphates and fragrances, yet still deliver exceptional results. Why choose clean beauty? As a parent, we are always lecturing our kids about recycling, being more conscious about the earth and being aware of what they put in their bodies, but we never stop and think about what we are doing. Most parents do not even have the time or do not even know where to start (me, I am most parents). Therefore, when CATRICE launched their Clean ID range I was super stoked! The clean beauty movement has become a growing movement which we could not ignore. It is a movement, which resonates with a lot of customers and it is here to stay. By supporting brands that already adopt the clean beauty movement, we are already doing our bit. If we all do our little bits, then all our little bits add up and we make a huge impact. The Clean ID range is environmentally friendly, vegan and the products are not tested on animals. The products are all free of parabens, silicones, micro plastics, mineral oil, pure palm oil, exotic and animal ingredients. No to parabens – what are parabens? Parabens are chemicals found in products which are used as preservatives. They are harmful as they can interfere with the body’s hormones, most notably the reproductive hormones which pose possible risks such as, cancer, fertility problems and chronic diseases. No to silicone – what are silicones? Silicones can be harmful as they may contain harmful additives, which are not biodegradable. No to micro plastics – what are micro plastics? Micro plastics are tiny particles of plastic found in cosmetics. Once these cosmetics are washed off, it reaches wastewater which is not efficient in removing these plastics as the plastics then reach the oceans and are harmful to aquatic life. No to mineral oil – what is mineral oil? Mineral oils used in cosmetics are derived from petroleum. Mineral oils can clog pores and make it difficult for moisture to enter and exit the skin which can lead to breakouts. No to pure palm oil – what is palm oil? Palm oil is a vegetable oil used in cosmetics for moisturising and texturizing properties. The palm oil industry often faces criticism for the deforestation it continues to cause and its consequences: clearing of wild animals’ natural habitat (including rainforests), and depletion of valuable carbon sinks including peatlands and trees.  No to animal ingredients – what are animal ingredients? Some companies are not educated or sensitive to the suffering of animals in the production of certain products that do not involve the actual slaughter of animals. Using animal testing in cosmetics development might involve testing all the ingredients of the finished commodity or the finished product on the animals. CATRICE Clean ID has such a wide selection of products namely: Clean ID hydro BB cream – 99% natural ingredients Clean ID eyeshadow palette – 80% natural ingredients Clean ID mineral bronzer with SPF – 85 natural ingredients Clean ID mineral swirl highlighter – 96% natural ingredients Clean ID lip oil – 84% natural ingredients Clean ID eyeliner – 75% natural ingredients Clean ID eye pencil – 100% natural ingredients Clean ID volume+ lengthening mascara – 75% natural ingredients Clean beauty which is CATRICE clean ID is simple, trusted and conscious. We love this movement and look forward to revealing more from this range next year.

August 6, 2020
Lamelle Pharmaceuticals

Let’s change the conversation around female sexuality this Women’s Month

Did you know that 63% of women over 30 experience some form of sexual discomfort or problem? That’s more than half, or every second woman you see every day. We just don’t realise, because us women internalise so well: What’s wrong with me? All my friends seem fine, so why is it just me? The truth is it’s not just you. It’s you and almost every woman around you. And science is only now beginning to understand how our stressful modern-day lives impact our sexual drive and function.  Fortunately, knowledge is power. This Women’s Month, we can change the conversation about our sexuality. My periods are irregular – is this menopause? Probably only if you’re approaching 50. Menopause is a reality between 45 and 55, but irregular periods can happen long before that – almost at any age. Irregular periods (oligomenorrhea) can happen when your body experiences hormonal imbalances and changes in hormone levels (like when taking contraceptives or falling pregnant). But new research suggests that stress, pollution and environmental damagers trigger a cascade of damage inside the body that has a devastating effect on your sex organs, suppressing your body’s production of the vital sex hormone estrogen. Scientists believe that this is the reason behind more and more women showing symptoms of hormonal changes earlier in life. For the first time in my life, I’m experiencing vaginal dryness and sex is uncomfortable, is this normal? For too many women, yes, it’s becoming very common. Our modern-day lives increasingly expose us to internal and external damagers that create Reactive Oxygen Species and free radicals, which ravage the cells in our bodies (known as oxidative stress). And, worryingly, oxidative stress seems to have a huge impact on the organs that control our sexual drive a function. Oxidative stress depletes the vital vein- and sexual-health compound, nitric oxide, in our bodies, which causes symptoms such as dryness, discomfort, as well as lower sex drive and satisfaction. All of which can put a great deal of stress on you and your relationship. But it needn’t become the norm. We’re finding exciting new ways to counteract the damage. Why are my moods so unpredictable? Mood swings are very common when there are hormonal changes happening inside your body. That’s why we have commonly held beliefs of premenstrual mood swings, and that mood swings indicate approaching menopause. But, again, unpredictable moods don’t necessarily mean menopause. Oxidative stress depleting nitric oxide in your body can cause the type of hormonal changes that lead to mood swings at any age – or at least long before actual menopause. I really battle to “get in the mood” – is there something wrong with me? No, there’s very seldom something “wrong” personally. A decrease in libido/desire is usually a normal psychological (mental) response to the physiological (physical) damage in your organs.  The oxidative stress that’s depleting nitric oxide and causing changes in hormones and sexual drive and function – the stuff that’s causing dryness and discomfort during sex – will often trigger a natural response in your brain to try and avoid the uncomfortable situation. Your brain is very clever, and, if it realises that you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable during intimacy, it will often trick you into avoiding sex in the future. Fortunately, we have exciting new ways to treat both the physical and psychological effects around sexuality. I don’t feel confident and my sex life is dwindling. How can I improve intimacy with my partner? Firstly, this is natural in every relationship. A couple’s physical intimacy doesn’t stay constant during a relationship, it often requires work to maintain beyond the “honeymoon phase”. According to PhD Julie Jones for PsychCentral, building on emotional intimacy is a powerful key: Learn to be curious again. We often become wrapped up in defending our own opinions in relationships, losing our need to understand the other person’s point of view. Actively trying to understand (without giving up your own opinion) creates empathy, which builds intimacy. Jones also says that “surprise generosity” boosts intimacy: Make yourself available in a new or different way. You could offer to do the chore your partner always complains about or offer to go with them to the place/activity you usually skip because it’s not your “thing”. Lastly, be selfish for all the right reasons: Invest in yourself. Remember that your partner was first attracted to you because they saw something different and unique in you. That’s powerful. Nurture it. Take care of yourself. Invest in your wellness, your personal development and your mindfulness. When you’re feeling your best, you bring an important vitality to your relationship.  BOOST SEXUAL HEALTH BY 88% Lamelle Research Laboratories understands how oxidative stress impacts a woman’s sexual drive, desire, function and satisfaction. That’s why we developed a unique and remarkable product that specifically targets the things that impact your sexuality and pleasure. It’s called Lady Prelox. Lady Prelox is an all-natural supplement made with a patented formula that improves sensual pleasure, desire and comfort. The results are everything a woman needs: Lady Prelox is clinically proven to boost sexual function and satisfaction in women between 37 and 45 by 88% within one month (up to 126% in two months). It’s even proven to boost sexual satisfaction in menopausal (45–55) and even post-menopausal (50+) women by 60% and more. “Lady Prelox offers a non-prescription solution to a multi-factorial concern that affects the quality and confidence of many women of all ages” Dr Bradley Wagemaker, Medical Director at Lamelle Research Laboratories So, please remember, this Women’s Month and every day of the year, it’s not just you. There’s a scientific explanation for your tiredness, discomfort and even struggling to get “in the mood”. If you feel you need a little help, all-natural Lady Prelox is available from all leading pharmacies. You can even buy it discreetly from Lamelle’s Pharma Store online at https://lamelle.co.za/pharma-store/ RSP: R500 for 60 capsules. www.lamelle.co.za Tel: 011 465 2264

August 6, 2020
Parenting Hub

BREASTFEEDING & COVID-19: BUSTING THE MYTHS

We’ve had an overload of fake news over the past pandemic months.  One of the most damaging falsehoods to emerge has been that COVID-19 + moms can transmit the virus through breastmilk to their little ones, and should stop breastfeeding.    Spokesperson for ADSA (The Association for Dietetics in South Africa), Andiswa Ngqaka, a registered dietitian says, “There are anecdotes from various countries indicating that this misinformation is causing moms to avoid breastfeeding during the pandemic. While some may see infant formula as a ‘safer alternative’ during this time, this is not the case. Breastmilk is the safest and most nutritious food for babies, and COVID-19 does not change that.” There is no evidence of COVID-19 transmission through breastmilk As the medical profession’s foremost experts in nutrition, registered dietitians are constantly keeping up to date with the latest scientific evidence. Worldwide, there is currently no evidence that breastfed babies have been infected by mothers who have tested positive to COVID-19. Andiswa explains, “The WHO cites one study where there was a detection of non-infectious COVID-19 viral RNA in breastmilk, and this is definitely not the same thing as finding viable and infective virus.  Therefore, there is unanimous agreement across international health organisations that moms can have complete peace of mind breastfeeding their children through the pandemic, even if they are COVID-19 + or suspect they might be infected.  The benefits of skin-to-skin contact with your baby and breastfeeding as normal are overwhelmingly immune-boosting and protective of your baby’s health.” Lisanne du Plessis, Associate Professor at Stellenbosch University and ADSA spokesperson, gives her top 5 tips for breastfeeding moms during the pandemic: Mothers should breastfeed on demand, whenever baby wants to breastfeed, day and night. Breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. Breastmilk provides all the food and water that babies need during this time. Breastmilk also protects babies against sickness or infection. Do not give any other food or liquids to babies, not even water, during the first 6 months of life. Even during very hot weather, breastmilk will satisfy babies’ thirst. Giving babies under 6 months anything other than breastmilk will cause them to suckle less, will reduce the amount of breastmilk that a mother produces and may make babies sick. Practice hygienic measures to protect moms and babies against COVID-19 and other harmful bacteria and viruses in our environments. Breastfeeding is food security for babies Breastfeeding from birth supports the healthy development of babies and plays an important role in prevention of all forms of childhood malnutrition including wasting, stunting, obesity and underweight and micronutrient deficiencies.  Breastmilk protects against many infections including COVID-19. At a time when many South African families are facing serious food shortages, breastmilk provides complete food security for babies under 6 months, and boosts nutrition and health for other young ones.  Breastfeeding saves on the food budget, making more money available to feed the family.  When it comes to food, you can’t get anything safer, more convenient and more economical than breastmilk. “It would make good sense to see a boost in breastfeeding across South Africa at this time,” says Lisanne. What precautions should a COVID-19 + mom take? The WHO provides the following breastfeeding guidelines if you suspect or know you have COVID-19:  Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand rub and especially before touching the baby; Wear a medical mask during any contact with the baby, including while feeding; Sneeze or cough into a tissue. Then dispose of it immediately and wash hands for at least 20 seconds again; Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces that you have touched. It is vital that partners, family and friends support breastfeeding moms who may be COVID-19 infected.  They need to understand that there is no evidence that the virus is transmitted through breastmilk, and that by continuing breastfeeding, the mother is doing the best she can do to protect her baby from COVID-19. What should happen if you’re just too ill to breastfeed? Andiswa says, “If you’re too ill to breastfeed, try to express your milk for your baby and give it with a clean cup or spoon and cup. Expressing breastmilk is important to sustain your milk production so that you can carry on breastfeeding when you recover.  If you can’t express your breastmilk, you can consider donor human milk.  Wet nursing is another option if culturally acceptable to you.  Your last option would be to provide a breastmilk substitute. Reunite with your baby as soon as your recover. Get support if you need help re-lactating and bonding with your baby.” Get Messages for Mothers – M4M A global pandemic is certainly not the easiest time to be a new mom and the mom of young children.  Mothering babies and small children is often an isolating experience at the best of times, so now, with social distancing and staying-at-home, you may need to make some extra efforts to ensure you are well-supported at this critical parenting time. Grow Great, a campaign to prevent stunting by 2030, partnered with other NGOs Embrace, ilifa labantwana and the Perinatal Mental Health Project, to launch Messages4Mothers, a new digital platform to connect with South African moms during the pandemic. Messages for Mothers can be accessed at M4M or you can connect with Grow Great on social media @GrowGreatza on both Twitter and Facebook.  Grow Great Communications Specialist, Duduzile Mkhize says, “Some of the biggest concerns for mothers are around how they can safely continue to breastfeed their children while dealing with COVID-19.  Some mothers are essential workers and they worry about how they can continue to keep their families safe. Mothers of small children worry about taking them for immunisations as they fear clinics might not be safe. Pregnant mothers who have to go for checks ups also worry about this. COVID-19 lockdown has caused a lot of anxiety for many people, so many mothers ask questions about how to cope with anxiety and depression.” You’re not alone  On a daily basis,

August 6, 2020
HeronBridge College

Teddy Bear hugs bring comfort to littlies

One of the biggest challenges for foundation phase teachers during Covid-19 restrictions has been the inability to show appropriate physical affection to pupils. High fives, hugs and physical touch are more likely to be used by children in the foundation phase, and teachers often make use of appropriate physical touch to comfort and contain the emotions of these children. The absence of this interaction and the changes brought about by Covid-19 restrictions has left many children feeling anxious. As a way to bridge the gap between Covid-19 restrictions and the need to comfort their small learners, HeronBridge Pre-Preparatory has implemented the Teddy Bear Initiative. How this works:  Each child is required to bring a reasonably sized teddy bear from home with them to school daily. This helps with the settling in process and provides a sense of familiarity and comfort as a transitional object that reminds children of a safe place. During different times of the day, the teacher implements “ Teddy Bear Time” where the class as a whole holds their teddy bears, hugs them tightly then releases, and repeats this process. Physical compression through squeezing and then releasing something is a way to activate then relax muscle groups. When repeated, this activity helps the body to find a rhythm and the mind to re-focus. It is a cognitive behavioural process, that reduces panic, regulates breathing, lowers cortisol levels (responsible for panic) and subsequently reduces anxiety. If at anytime during the day a child is feeling distressed, the teacher can ask the child to pick up their teddy, hug it tightly, release and repeat, while maintaining eye contact. “It has been so lovely to see the children finding comfort in their teddy bear hugs throughout the day,” says Wendy Beyneveldt, Pre-Preparatory Head at HeronBridge College. “At a time when things are so chaotic, we want to make sure that we are creating a happy, loving and safe learning environment for all our children, the Teddy Bear initiative helps us to do that.”

August 4, 2020
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

C-section questions, answered

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make about your baby’s birth is whether to have a vaginal birth or a Caesarean section, also known as a c-section. Neither method is objectively better than the other, some moms need to have c-sections for physical or health reasons, or decide that they would rather opt for a c-section for personal reasons. Focusing on the c-section, we’ll let you know what you can expect when having one and what the average recovery time is. When making this decision you should consult with your health practitioner, but it won’t hurt to know more about what is happening to your body during the process so that you can make the most informed decision for you and your baby. So what exactly is a c-section?  C-section is the surgical delivery of a baby. During the process you doctors will cut into your abdomen and your uterus and lift your baby out of this. As you are having a major surgery, you’ll typically have an epidural. This way you’re numb, but still awake so you can experience the magic of your baby’s birth. Both c-sections and vaginal births have their pros and cons. You’re likely to take longer to recover from a c-section birth and you’ll probably feel pain in the incision area for a few weeks. As it’s a surgery, there’s a risk of damage to surround organs, infection and excessive bleeding. Make sure to consult with professionals about what works best for you and your baby before making a choice. When is a c-section necessary?  Some moms elect to have c-sections before the time, whilst others may need to have an emergency c-section due to complications that arise during birth. If you are expecting twins, have high blood pressure, diabetes or have an infectious disease, such as HIV or genital herpes you’ll schedule your c-section ahead of time. Unplanned c-sections are necessary if your labour doesn’t start or stalls, if you become too exhausted or your baby goes into distress, if the umbilical cord slips into the birth canal before the baby (as there is a risk of the baby’s air supply being cut off) or if your uterus ruptures. How long will I take to recover from a c-section?  Don’t expect too much of yourself after having a c-section, you’ll typically spend around 3 to 4 days in hospital and take about 4 to 6 weeks recovery time at home before you start feeling normal again. Some moms experience muscle or incision pain for a few months following the c -section. 

August 3, 2020
Delite Foods

Boosting the immune system during the pandemic

The outbreak of the global coronavirus pandemic earlier this year had caused much anxiety and uncertainty for many. It has been a roller-coaster of emotions for parents since lockdown started and the decision to implement home-schooling either by distant-learning or privately was something no parent was prepared for. The pandemic shifted the roles and responsibilities of parents alike, adding “home-school teacher” to the already long list of roles.  Public schools in South Africa are set to close from 27 July to late August with the exceptions of grades 12s and 7s. Grade 12s will only take a week’s break and return on 3rd August 2020. Grade 7s will get a two-week break returning on 10th August 2020.President Cyril Ramaphosa, said that the decision to close schools was not taken lightly by the government.  The decision to reopen schools has been met with mixed reviews as parent’s stress over the wellbeing and safety of their children and family. Boosting the immunity during the pandemic has been a high priority according to pharmacies. Parents have been taking extra precautionary measures to ensure that their little ones stay healthy and well.  We asked registered Pharmacist, Ashleigh Bruce for advice on what parents can do to boost their kids immune system during this pandemic, “The whole family should be taking Vitamin C and Zinc supplements daily”, says Ms Bruce. Not forgetting the basic and simple action of washing the hands often and sanitizing.  The Delite Foods jelly range is packed with Vitamin C! An oblivious way to ensure kids get the Vitamin C they need without them realising it.  She has also advised on trying DIYs, meditation and yoga as a form of self-care distraction to manage your stress and emotions during this difficult time.  Stay connected and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

July 31, 2020
Parenting Hub

COVID-19 and Allergies

The coronavirus pandemic is a time of anxiety for most people, particularly those with existing health concerns. Millions of South Africans live with long-term conditions, including coeliac disease and allergic disorders such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma, one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children.  According to Professor Michael Levin, Head of Allergy at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and CEO of Allergy Foundation South Africa (AFSA) there is potentially harmful misinformation around coronavirus and allergies circulating. “Patients are unsure about symptoms and whether their allergies increase the risk of serious COVID-19 complications. We want to reassure people and enable them to manage their allergies as well as possible during this time. To do this, we’re providing factual, up-to-date resources and support for allergy patients and caregivers, thanks to the generous support of Sanofi.”  Professor Levin stresses that people with allergies and asthma should always take good care of themselves, whether or not there is a pandemic. “It is conservatively estimated that 80% of asthma deaths could be prevented with better treatment and access to medication. Not managing your condition does not only negatively impact your health, it can be fatal.” Dr Candice Royal of the KidsAllergy Paediatric and Allergy Centre in Cape Town, agrees the most important message for allergy sufferers is to continue good care. “Allergic disorders are systemic diseases and should not be looked at in isolation. They can be well-managed with education, correct medication and ongoing support from your healthcare professional. Whilst people with uncontrolled asthma may be in a high-risk group for severe illness from COVID-19, recent studies have shown this is not the case in well-controlled asthmatics.” Continue to take and seek treatment, safely: “Do not to stop taking prescribed allergy or asthma medications, including inhaled or oral corticosteroids. Find ways to access care and medication that limits potential exposure to the virus. For example, have medication delivered, or send someone to collect. A telephone appointment with your doctor may be an option than going to the clinic or surgery.” Symptoms of allergies and COVID-19 can be similar, which has been a source of concern for many. Coughing for example, is common to asthma and coronavirus; yet fever, body aches and pains which are usually experienced during coronavirus, are rarely related to asthma. Speak to your healthcare provider for clarity or refer to AFSA’s useful symptoms checklist – www.allergyfoundation.co.za/covid-19-symptoms. “If you have asthma, continuing to control it could help you defend against the virus. Taking prescribed controller therapy daily, whether you have symptoms or not, helps repair swelling and inflammation in the lungs so that you’re better able to fight off viruses – including the coronavirus,” says Dr Royal. “There is no evidence that the use of inhaled or nasal steroids increases one’s risk of contracting COVID-19, and using them regularly might even help prevent you from getting the infection or from suffering with more severe symptoms.”  Nebulisers are not recommended, as they can increase the risk to those around you. Professor Levin advises using an asthma pump with a spacer, rather than a nebulizer. “Spacers deliver medication to the airways more effectively than a pump on its own.” For people with skin or eye allergies, itching may mean touching and potentially increased infection risk. To prevent this, experts recommend regular skincare and steroid use as needed whilst also maintaining excellent hygiene measures – washing hands regularly, always wearing a mask and maintaining social distance. Allergy care may change for people who become infected with COVID-19. According to Dr Motohiro Ebisawa, President of the World Allergy Foundation, “Professional help is essential to understanding what is causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing. Patients should not assume these symptoms are either from their asthma or COVID-19 but consult their physicians immediately in case emergency care is needed.”  For further information and free, up-to-date resources on allergies and COVID-19 – including asthma, allergies and COVID-19; coronavirus and asthmatic children; coronavirus and coeliac disease and a useful symptoms checklist – visit www.allergyfoundation.co.za/covid-19-and-allergy For further information visit www.allergyfoundation.co.za, follow @SAallergy on social media or contact Lynn Kämpf, Business Manager of the Allergy Foundation South Africa on [email protected].

July 31, 2020
Parenting Hub

Food security for children starts at the breast – support breastfeeding

South Africa has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. Not because women do not understand the importance of breastfeeding for their children but because women face a hostile environment to care for their children. This World Breastfeeding Week, observed from 01 to 07 August, the South African Civil Society for Women’s, Adolescents’ and Children’s Health (SACSoWACH) are focusing on creating an environment that enables and supports women to breastfeed successfully. Due to our current global crises, with the engulfing COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crash, women are bearing the brunt of job losses. Female-headed households, especially, are experiencing a financial shock,1 adding to the burden of finding food for their families and caring for their children. In South Africa, nearly one in two households are headed by women, skewing the need to provide unfairly on mothers. South Africa is known as ‘the fatherless nation’ as it has one of the highest numbers of absent fathers in the world. It is estimated that nine million children in South Africa grow up without fathers.2,3 In a recent media report, even our Springbok captain has had to call on men to support and eradicate the scourge of abuse and violence against women.4 Breastfeeding is excellent for infants and young children as a food source, for immunity and for neurocognitive development, and emotional self-regulation.5 “The first step to creating a supportive and safe environment for women and children is the essential provision of food for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Safety and protection for moms, as the life-carrier and carer of children, is non-negotiable,” explains Dr Tshepo Motsepe, First Lady of South Africa, patron of the Coalition, passionate breastfeeding activist and humanitarian. The high rates of violence in South Africa cannot be ignored. Breastfeeding is associated with less violence in societies.5 Research also shows that 80% of rapists are the product of absent fathers.3 Young men who grow up without involved fathers are more likely to develop ‘hyper-masculine’ behaviours such as aggression and emotional instabilities. In contrast, young women are more likely to develop lower self-esteem and become victims of violence.3 Many hungry and stunted children live in fatherless homes1 where suicide is more likely in these individuals.3 “We need fathers and empowered men to step up and invest in the future of our society. Children are our future; the outcomes we want for tomorrow begins with what we do today. We call on all men to set an example and provide emotional and financial support, as far as possible, for the family and breastfeeding partners. This will help women to breastfeed exclusively and relieve them of the pressure to return to work too early,” explains Patrick Shivuri, Maternal and Child Health Programme Manager from Save the Children and a father himself. “Food security for infants and young children starts at the breast. Breastmilk is a living food; it protects against many infections that include COVID-19. If we want to protect children’s health, we need to protect and support their mothers,” adds Dr Chantell Witten, nutrition lead for SACSoWACH and lecturer at the University of the Free State. This has never been more relevant in a time when food is scarce and financial resources constrained. “Reducing Gender-Based Violence starts with protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding mothers at all cost. Paternal presence both emotionally and financially is a long-term investment for a healthy and less violent South Africa,” ends Precious Robinson, SACSOWACH chairperson and health advocate from Right to Care. In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, SACSoWACH will host a breastfeeding dialogue on Thursday, 06 August 2020. The discussion will be live-streamed on their website; please visit www.sacsowach.org.za to find out more and sign up.

July 31, 2020
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